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Esther Kluijtmans during Gymnastics competition at the Special Olympics World Games, Berlin 2023 (Photo by Máté Ladjánszki)

Máté Ladjánszki - AIPS Young Reporter - Hungary

BERLIN, June 26, 2023 - What do elephants, fireworks, and gymnastics have in common? Esther Kluijtmans, a short-haired, 17-year-old Dutch girl with glasses, has experienced all of the above in the last few days during the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. With confidence, Esther moves on the thin balance beam while her coach stands by, encouraging her with kind words. She successfully completes her gymnastics exercise, receiving huge applause from the audience.

ESTHER’S PASSION "I have been doing gymnastics for eight years now. If I remember correctly, it was the only option available for people with intellectual disabilities in Heesch, a small town in the Netherlands where I am from. I have competed in national competitions and have earned some medals, but this is my first Special Olympics World Games."

THE SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS In the Netherlands, everyone gets an opportunity to participate in the Special Olympics World Games. The head of the national team doesn't choose the best athletes but those who have not been here before, granting them this wonderful experience.

"I am very happy that I can be here. It is also a great opportunity to make new friendships. During the 10 days, I made new friends with Belgian athletes whom I trained with this week, and, of course, with the members of the Dutch team too, even though I am the youngest."

BUILDING FRIENDSHIPS Preparation also took some time. I practised with my coach Demi twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays, for one hour with my gymnastic teammates, and a few times with the whole Dutch team. We trained in a place we rented from the local authority, where we did not have a specific gymnastic floor."

PREPARATION AND SUPPORT My parents were kind enough to take me to training. In my family, I have a sister and a brother too, and I am the oldest one. In high school, I chose to study animals and plants. I have a cat named Belio and two dogs: Balu and my favourite, Wyatt. I really would like to work with animals in the future. Three days before the Games, we went to the zoo, where I was allowed to feed the elephants. As an animal lover, I was delighted to have that experience as much as competing in Berlin. I do think that participating is more important than the places you achieve, but undoubtedly I dreamt about winning a medal."

UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS My favourite moment during the Games was the Opening Ceremony, especially when they lit up the Olympic flame. When the fireworks were set off, it was very emotional."

Esther's dream to win a medal has been fulfilled. She placed first in Artistic Gymnastics Level 2 Women's Floor exercise and reached third place in Women's All-Around in Berlin's World Games.

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